How to actually keep those resolutions

You made a resolution. Or two or three. Maybe you had a touch too much Champagne when you came up with them but now that we’re a few days past the revelry and euphoria about starting anew in 2013, it’s time to get down to business. We have some tips to keeping some of those New Year’s Resolutions like getting to the gym and eating right!

Get real.

Make sure your goals are actually attainable. Telling yourself you’re going to get to the gym every day when you haven’t been for ten years probably won’t cut it. Start small, achieve big. Really think about your lifestyle. Cutting out all “bad foods” might not be realistic. Allow yourself your favorite indulgences, but in moderation and as a reward for not picking up that cigarette or for taking a 30 minute walk at work. You’ll set yourself up for success!

Make a plan.

You made those vows quickly but now it’s time to make a plan. How will you handle the devil on your shoulder when he or she tempts you to have another piece of cake or skip the gym because Real Housewives of New Jersey is on TV? You might want to make a pact with a friend and call them when temptation hits or practice a mantra that supports your new goals.

Keep Track

Setting smaller goals will help you achieve them but you also need to keep track. Focus on losing that first 5 pounds rather than the 40 you blurted out on New Year’s Eve. Make a chart of what you are eating which really helps with losing weight. Cut 5 sodas a week to 1 and cross them off the chart. Days without a smoke can be charted too. How good will that feel when you’ve crossed off 365 days!

Make a list, check it daily.

Better, yet, make a poster. Put a “pro” and “con” list up on your wall in the kitchen, the boudoir and at work to remind yourself about your goals. You can even get other folks to help add to it to give you more ideas about why it’s great to quit smoking (your taste buds will come back), or get fit (more energy in that boudoir, perhaps? ). Look at it to help keep your motivation going.

Make it public.

Resolutions should not be a secret. Sing out loud and proud about your goals because that way you’ll get support from family and friends. It’ll keep you “honest” too. You don’t want folks saying, “Hey what about that resolution?” all the time.

The Reward System.

Remember the stars you got when you did well in elementary school? Well think up the grown-up equivalent of those stars. Lose five pounds, go to the movies. Finish that novel finally, take a dream trip (even if it’s to a favorite restaurant nearby). Make up a chart that says, “If I (insert goal here), then I get (insert wonderful reward here)”

It’s ok to slip

Don’t berate yourself if you don’t achieve a goal, just get back on the horse and ride like the wind once again. You’ll get the hang of it. Just keep trying and start over if you slip. Resolve to make your life changes a year ‘round goal!

At Limelight Deals, we have plenty of ways to help you keep your resolutions like gym memberships, deals for wonderful restaurants with healthy food, for outdoor activities and for businesses that will help you spend more time with family and friends!

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